Rion C., 1

Cheruto is the fourth-born in a family of seven. Her family lives in a rural area without electricity and uses a pit latrine for sanitation. They fetch drinking water from a nearby stream, which takes more than 30 minutes to reach. Her mother is a housewife, while her father, the sole breadwinner, works as a casual laborer earning about 200 shillings a day to provide for the family’s needs. Three days ago, Cheruto developed high fever, vomiting, cough, difficulty in breathing, poor feeding, and yellow discharge from both eyes. Her mother bought medicines from a nearby chemist (CTX, Piriton, and PCM syrup), but her condition continued to worsen. Community health promoters then referred her to the health facility, where she was assessed and underwent laboratory tests. She was diagnosed with severe pneumonia and allergic conjunctivitis and was admitted for treatment and further management.

Cheruto was brought to the facility after three days of illness. She had initially been treated with over-the-counter medication because her family lacked money to travel for proper medical care. Her mother reported that the child developed high fever, vomiting, cough, difficulty breathing, and difficulty feeding. Community health promoters advised the family to visit the facility and seek assistance from the Helpster Charity coordinator. Upon arrival, Cheruto was enrolled in the Helpster program and started on treatment immediately. After laboratory tests and clinical examination, she was diagnosed with severe pneumonia with allergic conjunctivitis. She received appropriate medication and supportive care until her condition stabilized, after which she was discharged home. A follow up phone call confirmed that she is now doing well.

Prognosis is good Severe pneumonia and allergic conjunctivitis are condition that requires urgent treatment if left untreated or on late intervention it could have been resulted to complications like corneal scarring, progression to infective conjunctivitis, and, in rare instances vision loss and also respiratory failure, lung abscesses, and sepsis.